[Groop]OT Amina Lawal, Larry's Last Dance

[Larry Steller]

Wow! Did I start this fire?

First of all, as is ALWAYS the case, I'm proud of our
little GROOP's ability to disagree about issues from
the mundane to the world-shattering without turning to
nastiness. 

Thanks, Azamin and everyone else for the much varied
insights. I wouldn't characterize myself as an
activist, as Dani says, because frankly I'm not that
brave. Activists (whichever side they're on) are
risking life and liberty for a principle. I just sent
an email (three, actually...)

What I was doing was responding the only way I know
how, with my heart. I'm not well-versed in Islamic law
by any sretch of the imagination, but I respect
everyone's rights to their belief systems, and I've
always (especially since 9/11) been very vocal about
preaching respect for and tolerance of the differences
in all individuals. I don't know the intimate details
of the case, which is why I almost never do respond to
these kinds of things, the issues are NEVER as
simplistic as presented. I, however, am ;>)
The American belief systems (and I'm not talking
Government Policy here) are as complex as anyone
else's, so excuse my once again simplistic approach. I
believe in the right to protest and speak out against
acts which seem to us by our standards inhumane and
cruel. At no time am I suggesting imposing our will
forcefully, like sending troops into Nigeria to
overthrow anything. The petition is about ASKING the
government of Nigeria to consider the idea that a
human life has value. 

If we can save a life or help a people in trouble, we
should try within the boundaries of international law;
sending a petition is not an invasion. As a nation, we
often aid the world in major significant ways, both in
terms of disaster relief and economic aid. Yes,
through the course of American History we have also
done some harm in the world. The degree to which GOOD
and HARM have been done BY THE US varies by every
individual's opinion of the US. I believe as a
country, we do much MORE GOOD THAN HARM, and in fact
EASILY lead the world in having a positive impact on
world events. We are neither saints nor sinners, we
are just people, many of whom try to make the world a
better case however they know how. We are not judging
Islam, we are merely sympathising with a woman who is
about to die. 

I have never yet heard of a nation suffering from the
effects of a natural disaster spurn our humanitarian
aid (although I would bet it probably HAS happened
SOMEWHERE...), yet we remain the world's demons. Part
of what makes our country strong is our diversity.
There really is no such thing as a typical American.
Oh, sterotypes abound, as with any cross-section, but
there is no where on earth with more varied cultural
extremes coexisting (often in peace and tolerance,
sometimes not...). Our LAWS demand tolerance and
acceptance of all religious and social viewpoints,
sometimes they have to be rigorously enforced,
sometimes they should be but aren't, sometimes the
system works, sometimes it doesn't. 

I wouldn't THINK of suggesting that we supplant
Islamic Law anywhere in the world, but I wouldn't
hesitate to ask those who interpret such laws to show
mercy. 

There are a thousand more points I can address: what
makes Amina's case so unique? Why was she noticed and
not others? Why not address other injustices? Am I
being manipulated? A tool of propaganda? Where is the
fine line between aid and interference...? 

I am going to slowly back away from the keyboard and
let it be. I am glad we do discuss non-Groo threads on
this list (I know others are not as glad), and hope we
do occasionally voice our opinions about the world we
live in. I am not an expert on any of what we've
discussed, and freely admit most of what I said
stemmed frankly from a position of ignorance. 

I do wish to return The Groo List to Groop silliness,
as far as my OWN opinions are concerned; I'm NOT
suggesting my missive should be The Last Word, I'm
just personally bowing out. Greater minds than mine
can and will wrestle with all of this. I remain glad
that I signed that petition, and hope in vain that
there IS some positive impact... 

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-Larry "Mr. Grooism" Steller

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